Tour de Shotesham – Sunday 18th July gave us a glimpse of normality with the return of the Tour de Shotesham. Not too many entries, which wasn’t really surprising considering how hot it was, but nonetheless a great effort from the cyclists and good vocal supporters to keep them going. After testing the water in the first lap, Martin Muntingh showed the rest of the field a clean pair of pedals and completed the 5 laps in a little over 27 minutes.  
Other results -the fastest of the ‘mature gents’ was Tim Drake on 34mins, and an excellent run for the ladies winner, Teri Howard, 36 mins on a fixed wheel bike!!  We were also very much entertained by the fancy dress tandem pairing, thought we should keep their identity secret to protect reputations, but see photos below!

As we didn’t do a proper one last year, 2022 will be the TdS 10th anniversary, hopefully returning to April to avoid the heat, so get your bikes out and dusted down, and get some practise laps in….
           

The (Not Quite a) Village Fete on 21st August was a great success, we were well entertained by games and live music, but mostly it was just very good to be out amongst friends and neighbours. Thanks to all those who joined us for the (NQa) Village Fete andhelped to make it such a success, and the rain stayed (almost) away, at least until it got dark. If anyone took any photos that they’re willing to share on the website, please send them to Ken – resotan@aol.com

Barn Dance – despite the success of the Fete, we have regretfully decided that the Barn Dance won’t be happening the year due to the overall COVID environment. Hopefully back after harvest time next year.
Notwithstanding that, The SVA committee continue to look at what is possible, and are hoping to be able to do a few things in the build up to, and over, the Christmas period. Info here soon. 

Yoga class – now up and running on Tuesday evenings at the Trinity, unfortunately it’s booked up already and has a waiting list, please contact Kendra at kendrabarley@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to be added to the list.

Walking in Shotesham –  with the summer back on Sunday 5th Sept, the walking group had a splendid outing in Southwold, with various lengths of walks, but all in for lunch at the Sail Loft. Next walk will be on Sunday 10th Oct, with following one on Thursday 28th meeting as always at Trinity at 10.15
                

        

Conservation Group – Photos below from session at Church Hill earlier this year, including a slow worm hiding in the haylage. Next session will be a Cut and Rake at St Mary’s, 9.30am on Sat 9th October. 
                         

Zoom into Climate Challenge – The Hempnall Group of Parishes is hosting a pre COP26 Climate Challenge Evening on Tuesday 19th October at 7pm via Zoom. See here for details

Wildlife in Shotesham – who knew we had so many different wildlife species on our doorstep?! Village resident, Andy Musgrove is busy collecting and collating them all and, whilst in his own words he hasn’t got them all yet, click here for a few to be getting on with. Careful though, it could make your hair stand on end!!

…and some winter wildlife, courtesy of Tom Higgin

Couple of items free to good homes –
Mark & Kim Dyke are having a small garden project starting in next 10-14 days which will entail digging out around 10-12 m3 of soil. We’d be happy to donate to anyone locally who could use it (if they collect). If anyone can make use, please contact – 07786 331041. 
And Jane at the top of Roger’s Lane has a couple of black plastic ‘Dalek’ recycling bins to give away, if you can use any, please contact Jane at – jred@arolph.plus.com